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I'm Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA

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Re: I'm Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA

#221
post #197

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You should be able to get the full 6 years in H-1B status and H-4 spouses cannot work as H-4 spouses unless the H-1B principal has an approved I-140 petition.

Thanks! Is it hard to get the I-140 petition? How long does it take?

It depends on the path taken but it can take up to a year or longer.

Re: I'm Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA

#223
Just wanted to say thanks for doing this.

Peter has been an awesome partner to work with on immigration issues in my last company - and we had a lot of challenges* - and even casual advice for myself over the years.

Thank you!

*one founder without a tertiary qualification, one kiwi founder

Re: I'm Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA

#224

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Again, it's hard to say in the abstract but as a general rule, an interim O-1 makes more sense since this allows you to build up your company and then use the company's success for your EB1A application.

Thanks for that info! is this the correct website http://www.robertsimmigration.com ?

Yes but my website is awful!

Re: I'm Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA

#225
Hi Peter, If you're on H1B and quit your job to do a startup (using O1 or E2 or another visa), and the startup doesn't work out, do you need to pass the lottery again if you need another H1B for a new employer? Any way to skip the lottery the second time?

Re: I'm Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA

#226
Hi Peter, thanks for doing this.

I'm Canadian and have had two TNs working in the USA. Is H1B the only path to a green card? My recruiting firm seems to think that due to my specialized skill set and work of national significance they can fast-track me to green card? I'm not sure what that means... is that even a thing?

Thanks!

Re: I'm Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA

#228

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Are you saying that the petition was selected in the lottery but you haven't heard yet whether it has been approved? If so, USCIS is now starting to review and approve cap-subject petitions so you should hear soon.

Thanks for the reply ! Yeah that's what I mean. I guess I just need to wait a little bit more ^^

I think so but I'd follow up with the company if you haven't heard by the end of July.

Re: I'm Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA

#229

Hi Peter, Australian here on an E3 that's converting to an H1B. Can I have side-income via blogging ad revenue, youtube ad revenue/etc, so long as it's only earning Australian dollars into an Australian bank account? I know I'm not allowed to have any other income, but I assumed that was only for the US. Thanks in advance!

Not really, unfortunately, but it's confusing because US immigration law hasn't caught up with remote employment.

Is it possible to have an Australian LLC equivalent or somesuch that collects the payments?

Re: I'm Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA

#230

Hi Peter, If you're on H1B and quit your job to do a startup (using O1 or E2 or another visa), and the startup doesn't work out, do you need to pass the lottery again if you need another H1B for a new employer? Any way to skip the lottery the second time?

No, you shouldn't have to go through the lottery again.
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